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Oakland A’s have intriguing utility option in Max Schuemann

By David Hill

Lugnuts' Max Schuemann scores after a hit by Drew Millas during the second inning in the game against the Captains on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at Jackson Field in Lansing.210504 Lugnuts Home Opener 077a
Lugnuts' Max Schuemann scores after a hit by Drew Millas during the second inning in the game against the Captains on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at Jackson Field in Lansing.210504 Lugnuts Home Opener 077a /
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A great deal of attention has been paid to the Oakland A’s starting lineup going forward. However, those bench and utility options are going to be important to find as well. That is a place where Max Schuemann could make an impact.

The A’s already seem to have eye towards making Schuemann a super utility type of player. He saw time at second, third, short, and all three outfield positions in 2022, and had 14 games of experience at first in the past.

Max Schuemann has chance to make impact on Oakland A’s future

His performance in 2022 was also better than one would have expected. He produced a .274/.403/.422 batting line in his 408 plate appearances between Double-A and Triple-A, hitting nine homers and 15 doubles while stealing 24 bases. That type of performance should generate attention.

Yet there are some concerns. Schuemann has not exactly lit Triple-A on fire during his time at the level, with a .180/.306/.312 batting line and just five extra base hits. However, he also has just 72 plate appearances at the highest level of the minors thus far. Chances are, he will begin the 2023 campaign in Las Vegas.

If he can perform to his typical level, he has the type of skillset that could make an impact as a utility man. Schuemann has a strong approach at the plate and makes plenty of contact, two skills that seem to be prerequisites for any utility man on the A’s. He can also work a count and has a bit more pop than might be expected. His excellent speed allows him to pick up extra bases, and balls hit into the gap can be dangerous for the opposition.

It may not take that long for Schuemann to find his way to the majors if he can hit in Las Vegas. The A’s rotated through 64 players last season at the major league level and will likely churn through their roster again in 2023. Schuemann, with a strong start to next season, could easily get a chance.

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Max Schuemann could be an intriguing utility option for the Oakland A’s in 2023. If he can hit in Triple-A, his time could come early.